episode
Faith in the Big House explores the formulas used by Christian missionaries to convert inmates in America's prison. At a maximum security facility in Louisiana, a group of Christian evangelicals arrive to conduct a carefully-scripted religious retreat. Five felons, handpicked by the Warden, join other inmates in this 'Encounter with Christ'. Can these misfits, a gang-banger, a self-styled theologian, a narcissistic rock guitarist, a twitchy jock and a former football phenom find redemption? Or will the experience do little to change these men? Can religion keep these convicts from almost inevitably return to lock-up? Prison ministry leaders, including the late Charles Colson, (of Watergate infamy), insist revivals and bible studies radically reduce the number of inmates who are re-incarcerated. Those of the secular persuasion doubt their findings, favoring traditional rehabilitation and guaranteed results. Faith considers, who should be in charge of re-entry programs in the penitentiary such as job and addiction counseling? Will it be the new armies of faith- based volunteers?
